As an author, once you publish a story, it is no longer yours but everyone's. Sometimes what you write gets misinterpreted. Not all readers enjoy it. You ultimately lose control of what happens to your little book baby.
But when a reader understands exactly what you were aiming for, it can really make your day. I nearly did a fist pump when I read the following Amazon review of Mom's Last Stand. The reader had just finished the entire series and had this to say:
The characters in this series are exceptional! You feel the love between the mother, the daughter and the granddaughter, even with their snarky remarks. And you will love all the other characters, the human and the Fae! From the first book, you will be hooked.
That is exactly what I was going for when I envisioned Magical Midlife Mom. I wanted an intergenerational story that, while centered on a middle-aged mom, also spoke to her teenage daughter and cynical grandmother. In fact, grandma Barbara became one of my favorite characters in the series. She may come off as gruff and unlikeable in the beginning of Book 1, but by the end, I really wanted readers to connect with her, despite all her flaws.
This review made me want to write about Barbara again. What really goes through Barbara's head when she trains a new paladin recruit for the Blessed Order? Find out in the short story below:
A Knightly Lesson, a story about Barbara Hartley
Thanks again to all readers who leave reviews! I do read them, and they sometimes even inspire me to write. Keep 'em coming!
Also, on the nature wizard front, Chasing Lightning is free in all Amazon stores through June 29th. If you don't already own it, download it below and/or tell a friend.
Want to discuss my books? I always answer my emails! Reach me at [email protected].
More Summer Reading
The Enchanted Crossroads is a free urban fantasy book, no signups required! Between a vengeful god and an army of evil warlocks, an inexperienced witch is the world's only hope.
Fae Song, Ballads of Balahar is a fantasy novel that captures the best of European-inspired fantasy and magical lore. Gwynn's music is magic, and she will need every note to save her world without shattering her own soul.
Dark Fangs Rising is another free book, no signups required! Killing vampires is Luke Irontree’s business, and business is good. Maybe a little too good…
Until next time, happy adventuring!
-DM Fike
Books by DM Fike
Magical Midlife Mom Paranormal Women's Fiction
Single mom Melissa Hartley discovers that magic exists in the worst way possible: through her teenage daughter. She never expected her midlife crisis to involve the fae, but she will do anything to protect her child…even if it kills her.
Magic of Nasci Nature Wizard Series
A secret society of wizards live in our national forests, protecting nature against supernatural threats. Ina may command the four elements at her fingertips, but she can’t stop the savage creature leaving corpses along the Oregon coast. Will summoning forbidden lightning defeat her enemy, or will the storm destroy Ina first?
Legends of Llenwald YA Portal Fantasy Trilogy
As Avalon gets pulled toward a secret world where others covet her legendary powers, she must decide whom to trust—an amnesiac fairy, a shapeshifting trickster, or even her former doctor—all of whom may only be exploiting her for their own gain.
0 comments